Tribal families in Telangana to get new job cards and a 125-day work target as drought looms

Tribal families in Telangana who have no job card are to get one, and the government wants each eligible family to have 125 days of work. The orders went out on 23 October from Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Commissioner Divya Devarajan, following instructions from Minister Seethakka.

The reason is the drought the state is bracing for. With El Niño expected to cut rainfall, the government wants work available close to home in Adivasi areas so that families are not forced to leave for other districts or states to earn a living.

Collectors in every district have been told to identify eligible tribal families who are not yet covered, and to issue them new job cards without delay. All members of a family who are 18 or older are to be listed on the card. Collectors are also to step up works under the employment guarantee in their districts and watch both the card issue and the number of days of work provided.

The 125-day target is for work under the VB-G RAM G employment scheme. The orders do not say how many families are without cards, and no budget figure has been given.

The move follows the Cabinet sub-committee on drought and El Niño, which met on 23 October and named rural employment among the priorities for department-wise action plans. Seethakka, who holds the Panchayat Raj, Rural Development and Rural Water Supply portfolios, is a member of that committee.